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Abstract
The self-concept approach explains motivated reasoning in terms of self-concept defense. To test that prediction, a study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted (N= 356). Participants were exposed to a short, meme-style message attacking either the American Democratic or Republican Party. Party affiliation of participants predicted reactions to the messages such that those that attacked the participant’s party were received less favorably than those attacking the opposition party. As predicted by the self-concept approach, this effect was moderated by self-esteem such that it was stronger among those with high self-esteem than those with low.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Christopher J. Carpenter
Christopher J. Carpenter is a Professor in the Department of Communication at Western Illinois University.
Bree McEwan
Bree McEwan is an Associate Professor in the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology at University of Toronto Mississauga.